National

IMS-Sum Hospital Performs Odisha’s First Deep Brain Stimulation Procedure for Parkinson’s Treatment

Published

11 months ago

March 7, 2025

The Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, part of the Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) deemed-to-be university, has made history as the first hospital in Odisha to successfully perform Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

Recognized as an advanced surgical treatment option, DBS primarily targets the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and also offers improvements for certain non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and pain, explained Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, a leading neurosurgeon in the country and SOA’s Principal Adviser (Health Sciences).

While DBS does not halt the progression of PD, it significantly enhances the quality of life for patients with advanced stages of the disease, he noted during a press briefing.

According to Prof. (Dr.) Mahapatra, the procedure is relatively safe, with patients remaining awake for most of the surgery. “Previously, this condition was managed solely with medications, but now surgical intervention is an option,” he added.

The pioneering surgery was recently performed on a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with PD, marking a significant milestone for IMS and SUM Hospital. Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent, confirmed that this was the first time such a surgery had been conducted in Odisha, and the patient was doing well post-operation.

Prof. Soubhagya Panigrahi, who heads the Department of Neurosurgery, mentioned that the surgery lasted between seven to eight hours.

Prof. (Dr.) Lulup Kumar Sahoo, from the Neuro Medicine Department who treated the patient, pointed out that while medication can provide relief for the first four to five years of the disease, its efficacy diminishes over time.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by movement difficulties that stem from the loss of brain cells responsible for dopamine production. It typically affects individuals over the age of 60, according to Prof. (Dr.) Panigrahi. However, Prof. (Dr.) Sahoo noted that the disease is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, with some cases attributed to genetic factors.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s include slow movement, difficulties in writing and speaking, hand and leg tremors, stiffness in body parts, and occasional postural instability. Patients may also experience a variety of non-motor symptoms such as constipation, sleep issues, depression, and anxiety.

The press conference was also attended by Prof. (Dr.) Srikanta Kumar Sahu, Head of the Neurology Department, and Prof. (Dr.) Ram Chandra Deo from the Neurosurgery Department.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.